Healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.

Mental Health

Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.

Public health

Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.

Reproductive Health

For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.

Health

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

mercredi 15 février 2017

Denzel Washington Once Stole an Entire Platter of Shrimp From the Oscars When He Didn't Win

Denzel Washington is one of the best actors that Hollywood has ever seen, but even he can lose out to someone else from time to time. The Fences star stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday night to talk about his recent Oscar nomination for his role in the film. Denzel, who has taken home two Academy Awards out of his past six nominations, admitted to the host that whenever he thinks he should and will win, he usually loses, which caused him to rebel in a small and hilarious way one year. "I stole a shrimp once," he said. "One time I didn't win and I was passing catering on the way out. I stole a shrimp platter." Denzel Washington, living legend.

Katherine Heigl Pretended to Date John Mayer So That Her Husband Would Commit​​

Katherine Heigl is one sneaky devil. During an appearance on The Late Late Show on Tuesday, the Doubt actress told host James Corden the hilarious way she got her now-husband Josh Kelley to take things to the next level. "Josh and I were probably dating about a month, and it was unclear where the relationship was going," she said. So to test out the waters and see whether or not Josh wanted to be exclusive, she pretended that she was dating John Mayer on the side, even though they were totally "just friends." While it obviously worked out in the end - the two have been married nearly 10 years and have three beautiful children - she admitted that to this day, Josh still thinks she had a thing for John.

Metallica's James Hetfield Was "Livid" After a Glitch Nearly Ruined Their Grammys Performance

Metallica and Lady Gaga's unexpectedly excellent collaboration on "Moth Into Flame" at the Grammys was one of the event's most memorable moments, but lead singer James Hetfield's microphone appeared to be turned off at the start of their performance. Gaga let him share her mic and all was well, but apparently the incident left James absolutely (and rightly) furious. "I haven't seen him like that in 20 years," Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich revealed while sitting down with James Corden on Tuesday night. "He was livid. I mean, he's aged really well and he's a pretty chill guy, but the first five or 10 minutes in that dressing room was not a lot of fun." Fortunately once James cooled down, he and the rest of the band were all able to agree that the performance "made for great television."

A Slow-Cooker Chicken Soup That's Way Better Than Your Grandma's - We Went There!

Adam Levine Turns Into Mush While Talking About His Daughter: "I'm So in Love With Her"

Adam Levine's career recently hit a very special milestone when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which he called "super crazy and badass." It was also really freakin' adorable, thanks to the appearance of Adam and wife Behati Prinsloo's baby girl, Dusty Rose. While sitting down with Ellen DeGeneres on Wednesday (who is responsible for Dusty's name, FYI), he quickly went from uberfamous rock star to a pile of mush as photos of his daughter appeared on screen. "She's unbelievable," he said. "I'm so in love with her, it's great." And cue major swooning in 3, 2, 1 . . .

Jamie Lynn Spears's Daughter Looks Happy and Healthy After Being Hospitalized

Gigi Hadid Wore Her Love For Zayn Malik Right Where We Can All See It

Just in case you didn't know Gigi Hadid's in love with Zayn Mailk, look at her t-shirt. Right on cue for Valentine's Day, Gigi wore a muscle-style tee that read "Zayn" with a graphic of her boyfriend underneath. The model had her coat off the shoulders, as if to give us all a better glimpse of the top, which she styled with black pants and sneakers. Once we saw the shirt, we wanted one too and found the exact version to shop below.

The shirt was the cutest way Gigi could have shown she was thinking of Zayn all day. Later, she posted a photo of the two on Instagram with the caption, "everyday." The couple's been together since 2015 and it seems like they did Valentine's Day just right.

What Your Favorite Websites Used to Look Like

The date was March 15, 1985 - that's when symbolics.com became the first ever Internet domain name. To celebrate this 30th birthday of .com, let's take a look at what all our favorite websites looked like years ago. Thanks to this infographic from Robert Morris at Ninja Essays, we can see all the archaic designs of The Facebook, Google, Apple, and more. They look ridiculous now, but what will we think about our current websites in 30 years?

The 10 Commandments of Potty Training, According to Your Toddler

A period of time in which any and every surface in your home becomes a toilet, potty training sits at the top of the ever-growing list of hellish parenting experiences we're all forced to go through. Between the sheer amount of laundry you're forced to do and the endless hours spent on the floor of the bathroom waiting for that elusive first poop, it can be a trying time. As with many parenting experiences, your toddler is totally in control, whether you like it or not.

If you've ever potty-trained a toddler, these are the 10 commandments you were forced to follow.

  1. Thou shalt not freak out when I decide to pee on the floor. Hey, it could have been in a diaper, and that would have been regression, no?
  2. Thou shalt not assume that because my favorite character is on my undies I will not pee in them. When you gotta go, you gotta go - sorry, Dora.
  3. Thou shalt not ask me 20 times a day if I have to poop. I'll tell you when I'm ready, though I probably already finished by then. At least I said something?
  4. Thou shalt not take me out of the house without several pairs of undies and pants as backup. All bets are off as soon as we leave the house.
  5. Thou shalt bribe me with my favorite snack for successfully going on the potty. Food talks, candy talks faster.
  6. Thou shalt not take any dancing for granted during this period. I will lie and tell you I don't have to pee, but I definitely do and am about to go where I'm standing.
  7. Thou shalt allow me to spend my time on the potty as I please if you want results. This includes, but is not limited to, rolling all of the toilet paper off the tube.
  8. Thou shalt not be lured into a false sense of security too soon. Even if I've used the potty successfully for days, the minute you throw out the diapers, it's game over.
  9. Thou shalt not judge my desire to be completely naked throughout this entire process. Which is better, peeing in my pants, or making it to the toilet butt-naked?
  10. Thou shalt not put a time limit on the amount of time it takes me to poop. By all means, bring something to entertain yourself (I won't let you use it in peace though).

You've Got to See These Dads Grooving Out in Their Baby-Wearing Dance Class

Daddy-and-me classes are taken to the next adorable level in a video that shows a class full of dads grooving with their infants harnessed onto them.

GroovaRoo Dance, funky baby-wearing dance classes for new parents, posted a Facebook video of their "Mommy Mingle, Daddy Dance" that looks like a total blast. Dads are showing off their moves to Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music" while moms are cheering them on in the background. According to GroovaRoo's website, not only is this activity a fun workout and bonding opportunity, but it also helps with baby's sensory-motor development. Nevertheless, these classes just look too cute to ignore - and the dads seem to be loving it too!

25 Times Selena Gomez's Outfit Expertly Showed Off Her Legs

Selena Gomez likes to experiment with her fashion choices, wearing designer dresses straight from the runway one day and sweatpants with heels to go to the airport the next. And even though her style is eclectic, there's one thing the "Kill Em With Kindness" singer does often: she chooses looks that showcase her killer legs.

We've compiled some of Selena's most Angelina Jolie-esque moments. Look ahead to see all the times the star opted for sexy up-to-there slits and leotards that made our jaws drop.

Selena Gomez Just Won Valentine's Day in This Sexy, Sophisticated Dress

After sitting front row at the Coach show alongside Anna Wintour, Selena Gomez celebrated Valentine's Day in a Givenchy minidress. Her look was the perfect salute to fashion on just the right week. For starters, the sexy slitted piece was designed by Riccardo Tisci, who just announced he's stepping down from the brand. But Selena's number also speaks to her personal style.

With a zippered cutout bodice and a short hemline, it was certainly body-conscious. Nevertheless, its collar provides a modest touch, proving Selena has mastered sophistication. Finally, she slipped into strappy Gianvito Rossi heels, swung a leather jacket over her shoulder, and hit the town. Frankly, we couldn't think of a better outfit to wear out any day of the week. Scroll for another look, then shop dresses with similar details.

There's Already So Much Disney Magic on the Runway at Fashion Week

We just can't help it. Every season we watch the runway, waiting for looks that remind us of our favorite Disney characters. It's not that these sparkly dresses aren't perfect for the red carpet; they're appropriate there too. It's just that there's something about the six designs below that feel all the more flavorful and costume-like. In fact, if Ariel, Aurora, and (scarily enough) Maleficent were here in IRL, we bet they'd choose these outfits in a heartbeat. Scroll to see all the perfect pairings we found this season.

33 Photos That Show Demi Lovato's Natural Beauty Could Bring You to Tears

Demi Lovato is many things: a confident singer, actress, mental-illness advocate, but, perhaps most importantly, queen of the no-makeup selfie. Demi often graces us with barefaced pictures on her Instagram feed, and all of them have one thing in common: they feature her looking absolutely gorgeous - could it be her Devonne by Demi skincare line? Keep scrolling to see all the times we were stunned by her natural beauty and cute-as-a-button freckles, then check out her amazing style evolution.

Can all suicides be prevented in an inpatient facility like St. Joe's?

st joes west 5th 1

Is it realistic to expect that no one admitted to hospital with suicidal thoughts will be able to kill themselves while they’re there? One expert in suicide prevention from Johns Hopkins University says it is.

Indigenous water solutions: 2 steps forward, 1 step back

water faucet

New numbers show that 71 First Nations communities have not been able to drink their water for more than a year despite 18 such water advisories having been lifted since November 2015.

Can all suicides be prevented in an inpatient facility like St. Joe's?

st joes west 5th 1

Is it realistic to expect that no one admitted to hospital with suicidal thoughts will be able to kill themselves while they’re there? One expert in suicide prevention from Johns Hopkins University says it is.

Indigenous water solutions: 2 steps forward, 1 step back

water faucet

New numbers show that 71 First Nations communities have not been able to drink their water for more than a year despite 18 such water advisories having been lifted since November 2015.

The Walking Dead's Carl Just Dashed This Popular Fan Theory

The Walking Dead has finally returned from its months-long Winter hiatus, and our heroes are gearing up for war against Negan and the Saviors. We have a lot to look forward to, but there's something that's been bothering us about a past scene - and Chandler Riggs (aka Carl) has addressed it in a Reddit AMA.

"Is the Morse code theory a thing?" asked user sphericalbear. "If you're not aware of what I mean by this, there's a theory that when Negan brought Daryl to Alexandria the first time after he was taken away, Daryl appears to be delivering a very deliberate sequence of blinks which some people have deciphered as spelling out 'EAST' in Morse code - the supposed location of The Sanctuary. Speculation was further fueled by the Morse code poster in Rick's house."

"I've actually commented on a post about this theory, but sadly it isn't true," Riggs answered. "I really wanted it to be true and it'd be awesome if it was (and i should honestly just say it's true), but it doesn't talk about it in the script anywhere."

Hmmm, now we just have to decide whether we believe him.

When You See This Saudi Arabian Princess's Outfits, You'll Never Forget Her

Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia isn't just any royal. She is a mother of three, runs a fashion business called D'NA, nurtures emerging designers (past talents include Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu, Mary Katrantzou, and Erdem), and is editor in chief of Vogue Arabia.

To top off her boss résumé, the princess has also earned her stripes as a street style star to watch at Fashion Week, often wearing her trademark poufy skirts. Her style is refined, like that of any royal, but she's also one of the most fashion-forward of the ladies, often wearing bold prints and silhouettes you wouldn't see on Kate Middleton or even Queen Rania. With an eye for style - she is a fashion editor after all - and the wardrobe to match, it's time Princess Deena Aljuhani Abdulaziz lands on your radar.

Scroll on for her best outfit tricks and tips, because once you set eyes on these looks, you'll never forget them.

The Fashion-Based Theory From The Walking Dead That No One Is Talking About

Nothing will stop us from trying to solve every mystery from The Walking Dead - including ones we discover all on our own, after hours of binge-watching the suspenseful series. For instance: have you noticed that the majority of female walkers roam around in maxi dresses? What's the deal there? Was there a shortage of pants before this virus spread, forcing them to rock the next-best comfy staple? We really need to know!

In reality, it's probably easier for the costume department to rip up and "walker-fy" a single piece rather than a full outfit. But we'll still hold out hope that one day, our question will be explained. Until then, take a look at the maxis taking over this apocalyptic world. Then see what life was like before walkers were everywhere.

Kate Upton Stars on 3 Sports Illustrated Swim Covers - But She Has a Favorite

Kate Upton is no stranger to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. 2017 marks her third time on the cover, an honor she shares with Christie Brinkley (who's also featured in the issue at the age of 63). But it's no wonder Kate is so enthusiastic about this year's magazine, which aims to celebrate beauty at all sizes. The group of 32 women who scored spreads is diverse, including Chrissy Teigen, Ashley Graham, Lais Ribiero, Robyn Lawley, Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, and US Olympians Simone Biles and Aly Raisman.

"I was very excited when [editor MJ Day] asked me to be back in the issue. Especially when this year's theme is about every woman of every age and every body type being accepted. It was inspiring to be asked to be a part of that issue . . . Those are the campaigns I want to do and the career I want to have - to inspire women to love themselves. That's a balance of working hard and eating healthy but also enjoying life and having cheat days and for the emphasis not to be on the ideal perfect body. It makes me proud to be asked back," Kate said.

She poses gracefully on the beaches of Fiji, wearing one very strappy weaved suit and a white bikini bottom with a metallic moto jacket that shimmers up against the blue water. Scroll for a look at the full set, and see Kate choose a favorite cover after her appearance on The Tonight Show, where the magazine was revealed. Then, if you're feeling bold, shop similar monokinis and body chains to play up your poolside look.

Why Every Child (and Mom) Can Benefit From Childcare - and How to Find It

Remember that old adage that raising a child "takes a village," famously used by Hillary Clinton in the title to her 1996 book? Well, it's true. Although we all know the bulk of child-raising responsibility falls on mom's and dad's shoulders, as it should, no couple, and certainly no mother, can do it alone. And moreover, no one should have to. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, and neighbors are all great backup, but finding a good childcare program - even if you're a stay-at-home mom - is important, too.

Whether it's daycare, a parent's day out program through a church or park district, or even a gym childcare program, finding a safe, happy place where you can leave your child for a few hours a day (or even a week) benefits both you and your kid. Here are eight reasons why.

  1. Socialization. Children need socialization in order to learn how to share, problem solve, and work in a team with others, and finding a well-supervised, loving group childcare situation is the best way to make that happen. As an added benefit, socializing with peers also means your child can learn the skills those peers have acquired (potty-training, advanced speech) that they are still working on.
  2. Friendships. Socialization is learning to play well with others. Friendship is finding that one person that you really love playing with, and as every adult knows, it's an essential part of the human experience. By placing your kids into a program where they will consistently see the same children, you're also allowing them to form bonds.
  3. Structure and routine. Little kids (and probably their parents, too) thrive on structure, and a childcare program is likely to provide them with just that. In addition, having a schedule that requires you and your child to be someplace at a certain time each day or week offers some structure to a stay-at-home mom's life, which can often feel like it's full of empty hours.
  4. Easier transition to school. I have zero fears about dropping my youngest off at his first day or preschool this Fall, mostly because he's already had years of experience and success at the childcare program at our gym and at the parent's day out program he attends two mornings a week. By getting your child used to the drop-off, fun with teachers and friends, pick-up schedule of childcare programs, you're less likely to have a kid who doesn't have any separation anxiety when it's time for preschool or kindergarten.
  5. Early immune system building. Yes, kids who attend daycare or other childcare programs are more likely to be sick as toddlers, but they'll have better developed immune systems when they hit elementary school, which means fewer sick days and sniffles.
  6. Fun you don't have to plan! Crafts you don't have to plan or clean up, games you don't have to organize or participate in, physical activity that doesn't require you to pay for entry to a gymnastics space, trampoline park, or pool? Childcare programs will do the work for you, while you can rest assured your kid had a superfun, enriching experience.
  7. Less isolation for moms. Before my daughter entered preschool, it was an effort to meet mom friends. But dropping her off just two mornings a week allowed me to build relationships with women that have since become close friends. Any program that attracts children of a similar age is a great, easy place to meet moms who can potentially be a support system for advice and last-minute childcare needs or even to join you for a glass of wine.
  8. Every mom needs a break. The number of moms I've met who claim they absolutely never want a break from their children? Zero. Even if you spend the time away from your child cleaning and running errands, you'll probably feel recharged by pick-up time, making you a better mom to a subsequently happier kid.

Take Style Inspiration From These Memorable Movie Wedding Gowns

Inspiration for your wedding look can really come from anywhere - a blogger's dress, a beauty tutorial, and even the movies. Let these 11 notable and recognizable film wedding outfits, worn by some of your favorite stars (including Jennifer Lopez in The Wedding Planner and Penélope Cruz in Woman on Top), serve as blueprints for the gown and veil you choose to wear on your big day. Keep scrolling to take a peek - and once you've picked up the dress, don't forget to commemorate it with these stunning photos.


Could a virtual walk in the woods relieve chronic pain?

Virtual meditative walk

Virtual reality has been used to treat acute pain for more than 15 years, but researchers are now exploring the potential for using immersive technology to relieve chronic pain.

Could a virtual walk in the woods relieve chronic pain?

Virtual meditative walk

Virtual reality has been used to treat acute pain for more than 15 years, but researchers are now exploring the potential for using immersive technology to relieve chronic pain.

20 Latin Recipes You Can Fit in a Mason Jar and Enjoy Later

In case you haven't heard - if you've been living under a rock or too busy binge-watching TV to look around for the past few years - mason jars are the new plastic container.

Not only are the glass jars preferred by foodies and newbies alike for their easy-to-transport characteristics (that lid is not coming off) and the ability to help you meal prep like a pro but also their good-for-the-environment perks. From salsas to salads to dessert, here are 20 recipes with a Latin twist that happen to fit perfectly in these adorable jars we already know you own by the case!

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Vaginal Popsicles After Delivery

If you think condoms only have one purpose, you are sorely (pun intended) mistaken. After delivering my baby, one of the "treats" that the nurses quickly introduced me to in the maternity ward was the genius ice diaper. It's an instant pain reliever - not every new mother is lucky enough to receive such pampered treatment. And for those who have swollen and bruised nether regions post delivery, I've got another secret.

A friend of mine was tipped off from a mother, who also happens to be a doctor, to fill a condom with water and freeze it. When the discomfort kicks in, take the vaginal popsicle out of the ice box and lay it lengthwise in your undies to give your girlie parts some relief. To keep yourself dry, use a feminine napkin to catch the ice's perspiration.

We're Calling It - Peach Makeup Will Be the Dominating Color Trend For Spring 2017

The sweetest pastel of all, peach, is about to have a major moment in the spotlight. While pink and red eye makeup looks were a hit with the beauty bloggers in 2016, we're seeing the fruit-inspired shade pull ahead in early 2017.

Peach started gaining momentum when viral brands like Too Faced and Kylie Cosmetics released palettes featuring the sherbet shade. So influencers - including Kylie Jenner and Manny MUA - used the pigments to create pretty pastel looks. And everyone else quickly copied!

To get insight on how to wear peach, we email interviewed Kelli Bartlett, the director of makeup artistry for Glamsquad. First, she told us the reason peach is trending right now is because it's an easy shade to wear. "You can use the same product on several different features," she explained. "A peachy blush can be applied to the cheeks and to the eyes for an overall gorgeous glow. It's also a universally flattering tone, adding a warmth and friendliness to the skin."

Bartlett advises that using a soft blending brush is key for this look. "I love the MAC #217 Blending Brush for applying peach to the eye socket," she said. "Cream blushes are also very flattering and add a natural sheen."

Try this hack for wearing peach on your lids. "You can also test the trend by dabbing some of your favorite peach/coral lipstick (not the liquid matte kind though) on your finger and swiping it back and forth on your eyelid," she noted. "Use your finger to buff the color into the brow bone."

The one thing to avoid is going for an intensely orange-peach (stay in the pink family, instead). "Choosing a hot orange tone with a lot of red undertones would make the skin look sunburnt and too irritated," Bartlett added.

Keep reading to see how beautiful peach makeup looks on different skin tones!

Why You Need a Technology Detox and How to Do It

The following post was originally featured on Jill Conyers and written by Jill Conyers, who is part of POPSUGAR Collective.

More Americans are staying connected and online than ever before. Nearly one-third of adults (30%) spend more than half of their waking hours (9+) using a digital device.

Image Source: Jill Conyers

I use technology every day in my personal and professional life [a lot]. And, I would never, ever argue against the responsible use of it.

Last year, I questioned myself and my use of technology. Was my use of technology responsible and the even bigger question, was my use of technology healthy for my body, mind, and spirit?

Almost a year ago I made a few changes and added a little unplugged to my life. What started out as a list of rules is now a lifestyle choice: no technology one to two hours before bed and very little, if any, computer time when I get home from work. I starting sleeping better and had more family time, and there is what I can only describe as a feeling of being less wound up. I've also added at least one, sometimes two, days a month when I'm totally unplugged. It's easier to do than you might think.

I am the first to admit the benefits of technology and being connected online, but it's clear the world has an unhealthy attachment to it:

Think about this (Pew Reasearch Center):

  • 84% of cell phone users claim they could not go a single day without their device.
  • 67% of cell phone owners check their phone for messages, alerts, or calls, even when they don't notice their phone ringing or vibrating.
  • Almost half of cell owners have slept with their phones next to their beds because they wanted to make sure they didn't miss any calls.
  • Studies indicate some mobile device owners check their devices every 6.5 minutes.

In 2015, Pew Research reported up to 68% of adults in the United States have a smartphone; that's up from 35% in 2011.

Digital Detox reports:

  • 61 percent admit to being addicted to the internet and their devices.
  • The average American dedicates 30 percent of leisure time to perusing the web.
  • The average employee checks 40 websites a day, switching activities 37 times an hour and changing tasks every two minutes.
  • 33 percent of people admit to hiding from family and friends to check social media.
  • 60 percent of people say traditional vacation does not relieve their stress.

Nearly one-third of adults (30%) spend more than half their waking hours (9+) using a digital device. Anyone else shocked by this number?

Reasons to give yourself a digital detox:

Unplugging helps remove unhealthy feelings of jealousy, envy, and loneliness. From the number of birthday wishes on Facebook and photos of dream vacations in a tropical paradise to always clean homes and the picture perfect marriage, the opportunity for envy is never in short supply. Researchers recently discovered that one in three people felt worse after visiting Facebook and more dissatisfied with their lives. Unplugging resets and refocuses appreciation and gratitude for our lives.

Real life is happening all around you. These conversations are unfiltered and authentic. And the love is real. Each moment is only going to happen once, and you're going to miss it because your head was down looking at a screen.

Learn something about yourself. Are you online too much? Do you have an unhealthy attachment to technology? The best way to answer those questions is to be without. Notice, how did you feel? Were you calm or anxious? Did you experience the constant urge to check Twitter, Instagram, email, or texts, and were you uncomfortable when you couldn't? Find out how much control technology has over your life. You might be surprised.

Life is still about human contact and physical connection. There's no denying the benefit and the ease with which family and friends stay connected with technology. That said, it doesn't (shouldn't) take the place of personal contact and connections. People that love and care about you are right there, right in front of you. Bring your head up from the screen and enjoy having them in your life.

You will relax, de-stress, and recharge. It's hard to relax if you're checking your phone every 6.5 minutes (or more). Imagine the things you can do with the extra time you have while unplugged.

Your body will be healthier, and you will have more time to be active. We've all heard sitting is the new smoking, right? Think about how much time you sit in front of a computer. According to the Vision Council 2015 report, physical symptoms commonly associated with overexposure to digital devices include eye strain (32.8%), neck/shoulder/back pain (32.6%), headache (24%), blurred vision (23.3%), and dry eyes (22.8%).

6 Tips for a Technology Detox

  • Unplug for a specific period of time each day.
  • Take an intentional break from technology several times throughout the day.
  • Unplug one day a week.
  • Turn off notifications.
  • Plan ahead for what you will do with the time you're typically on your computer.
  • Make it a family unplugged.

I was just telling my husband last night, I could easily give up TV and, except for staying in contact with him and our kids, I'm fine being without my phone.

Image Source: Jill Conyers

Why You Need a Technology Detox and How to Do It

The following post was originally featured on Jill Conyers and written by Jill Conyers, who is part of POPSUGAR Collective.

More Americans are staying connected and online than ever before. Nearly one-third of adults (30%) spend more than half of their waking hours (9+) using a digital device.

Image Source: Jill Conyers

I use technology every day in my personal and professional life [a lot]. And, I would never, ever argue against the responsible use of it.

Last year, I questioned myself and my use of technology. Was my use of technology responsible and the even bigger question, was my use of technology healthy for my body, mind, and spirit?

Almost a year ago I made a few changes and added a little unplugged to my life. What started out as a list of rules is now a lifestyle choice: no technology one to two hours before bed and very little, if any, computer time when I get home from work. I starting sleeping better and had more family time, and there is what I can only describe as a feeling of being less wound up. I've also added at least one, sometimes two, days a month when I'm totally unplugged. It's easier to do than you might think.

I am the first to admit the benefits of technology and being connected online, but it's clear the world has an unhealthy attachment to it:

Think about this (Pew Reasearch Center):

  • 84% of cell phone users claim they could not go a single day without their device.
  • 67% of cell phone owners check their phone for messages, alerts, or calls, even when they don't notice their phone ringing or vibrating.
  • Almost half of cell owners have slept with their phones next to their beds because they wanted to make sure they didn't miss any calls.
  • Studies indicate some mobile device owners check their devices every 6.5 minutes.

In 2015, Pew Research reported up to 68% of adults in the United States have a smartphone; that's up from 35% in 2011.

Digital Detox reports:

  • 61 percent admit to being addicted to the internet and their devices.
  • The average American dedicates 30 percent of leisure time to perusing the web.
  • The average employee checks 40 websites a day, switching activities 37 times an hour and changing tasks every two minutes.
  • 33 percent of people admit to hiding from family and friends to check social media.
  • 60 percent of people say traditional vacation does not relieve their stress.

Nearly one-third of adults (30%) spend more than half their waking hours (9+) using a digital device. Anyone else shocked by this number?

Reasons to give yourself a digital detox:

Unplugging helps remove unhealthy feelings of jealousy, envy, and loneliness. From the number of birthday wishes on Facebook and photos of dream vacations in a tropical paradise to always clean homes and the picture perfect marriage, the opportunity for envy is never in short supply. Researchers recently discovered that one in three people felt worse after visiting Facebook and more dissatisfied with their lives. Unplugging resets and refocuses appreciation and gratitude for our lives.

Real life is happening all around you. These conversations are unfiltered and authentic. And the love is real. Each moment is only going to happen once, and you're going to miss it because your head was down looking at a screen.

Learn something about yourself. Are you online too much? Do you have an unhealthy attachment to technology? The best way to answer those questions is to be without. Notice, how did you feel? Were you calm or anxious? Did you experience the constant urge to check Twitter, Instagram, email, or texts, and were you uncomfortable when you couldn't? Find out how much control technology has over your life. You might be surprised.

Life is still about human contact and physical connection. There's no denying the benefit and the ease with which family and friends stay connected with technology. That said, it doesn't (shouldn't) take the place of personal contact and connections. People that love and care about you are right there, right in front of you. Bring your head up from the screen and enjoy having them in your life.

You will relax, de-stress, and recharge. It's hard to relax if you're checking your phone every 6.5 minutes (or more). Imagine the things you can do with the extra time you have while unplugged.

Your body will be healthier, and you will have more time to be active. We've all heard sitting is the new smoking, right? Think about how much time you sit in front of a computer. According to the Vision Council 2015 report, physical symptoms commonly associated with overexposure to digital devices include eye strain (32.8%), neck/shoulder/back pain (32.6%), headache (24%), blurred vision (23.3%), and dry eyes (22.8%).

6 Tips for a Technology Detox

  • Unplug for a specific period of time each day.
  • Take an intentional break from technology several times throughout the day.
  • Unplug one day a week.
  • Turn off notifications.
  • Plan ahead for what you will do with the time you're typically on your computer.
  • Make it a family unplugged.

I was just telling my husband last night, I could easily give up TV and, except for staying in contact with him and our kids, I'm fine being without my phone.

Image Source: Jill Conyers

The 3 Toxic Moms You Need to Cut Out of Your Life

Since having my daughter almost six years ago, I've been lucky to have a lot of mom friends. Not only did about a dozen of my close friends from college have their first children within a year of me, but I've been introduced to a whole new crop of girl buddies through my daughter (who knew kids made such great wingmen?!). The truth is, I think we all need a lot of mommy friends, because each friendship provides a different kind of support.

There's the friend I always call when I'm having the worst day ever because I know she gets it, won't judge me, and will tell me a funny story about how awful her own kids are being to make me feel better. There's the mom whose friendship has become even more precious because our husbands and children love each other as much as we do, making impromptu pizza nights easy and awesome. And there's the friend who radiates so much positivity about her family that it inspires me to cherish my own more - even on days when I'm ready to sell them all to the highest bidder (or really any bidder at all).

Unfortunately, not all my mom friendships have been as magical. There have also been ones that I invested time and energy into that just never clicked, ones where I felt a weird sense of unhealthy competitiveness, and ones where I realized that a premotherhood friend's crazy antics weren't that entertaining anymore. And those friends? Well, it was time to say see ya' later (or not).

If you have a friend who falls into one of the categories below, it's time to, at the least, reevaluate your friendship and, more likely, cut your relationship off.

The Judger

This friend has something to say about everything you do, making subtle jabs or offering direct insults every time you see her. Her 1-year-old daughter's already speaking in complete sentences, but she's sure yours will just be fine, eventually, but if not, she has the number for a great speech therapist. She would never allow her kids to eat in the car, wear seasonally inappropriate clothing outside the house, or skip a day of school for a vacation, but "that's just her." While you know her perfect house, immaculately dressed children, and dreamy relationship with her spouse are probably half lies and half compensating for the deep sadness in her soul, you don't need that judge-y bullsh*t. Time to move on.

The Taker

She's always up for a playdate (at your house), for a girl's night out (she called your favorite sitter first), and for signing up your kids for a class together (you'll register and pay for hers, right? She'll get you back, if she remembers this time), and you're getting sick of feeling like you're parenting your kids and hers, too. Let's call this mom the "taker" because your friendship is all about what she can get out of you. Next time she calls to ask if her kid can come over for a four-hour play date while she gets a massage, just say "no."

The Flaker

Life is busy, kids' schedules are crazy, and sh*t happens. We get it. But when you literally put a question mark by every plan you make with her, knowing that the odds of it actually happening are slim to none, what's the point? Moms have so little time to invest in friendships, and if this flake can't ever follow through, it's time to move your energy to a mom friend who will.

Protein: You're Eating It All Wrong

If you're trying to lose weight, experts say to load up on protein. But certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition wants to make sure you avoid these five common mistakes when eating this valuable nutrient.

Protein: You're Eating It All Wrong

If you're trying to lose weight, experts say to load up on protein. But certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition wants to make sure you avoid these five common mistakes when eating this valuable nutrient.

40+ Gossip Girl Hair Moments That Made You Jealous

Though Gossip Girl has been off the air for more than two years (OMG!), it's still totally capable of inspiring serious beauty and fashion envy. Whether you drool over sharp-witted socialite Blair Waldorf's neat curls or covet Serena van der Woodsen's golden mane of beachy waves, you're sure to recall some awe-inspiring hairstyle moments from the show's six-season run. From Blair's first headband to the one she wore on her (second) wedding day, these hairstyle photos will make you fall in love with Gossip Girl all over again. Spotted: S, B, Little J, and a few other elite Manhattanites looking fabulous.

25+ Latinos With Major TV Roles in 2017! Here's Where to Find Them

We hope the rest of 2017 turns out to be key for Latino representation on TV. We're by no means in an excellent place yet, but, you know what? We're getting closer.

Though we might have lost shows with a predominately Latino cast (RIP Telenovela and Devious Maids) in 2016, we're seeing more actresses and actors with backgrounds from Latin-American countries like Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Cuba on mainstream television. Freeform alone has Famous in Love starring Cuban-American Bella Thorne, the Young & Hungry spinoff with Dominican actress Aimee Carrero, and Shadowhunters with Mexican-Lebanese actress Emeraude Toubia. And it doesn't end there! Look ahead for a list of all the Latinos you can see on the small screen this year.

A 25-Minute Cardio and Strength Workout, No Equipment Needed

I'm more of a gym rat and outdoor runner than studio devotee, but there's one boutique workout that can always get me to part with my hard-earned dollars and eagerly book my place in class: Barry's Bootcamp. The celeb favorite (Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are both fans) incorporates treadmill intervals with muscle-building floor work; alternating between machine and bench makes the time fly by even though you're sweaty, tired, and just want to quit. The result: you burn major calories in each 60-minute class, all while boosting metabolism and sculpting lean muscle.

Luckily, you don't need to rub elbows with sweaty celebs or even have a treadmill to reap the workout's benefits. Try this no-equipment version from Barry's Bootcamp trainer Allie Cohen (who's also our fitness model - that's her above!). Allie developed this do-anywhere variation for a recent outdoor Without Walls event in Los Angeles. With her heart rate-raising workout, "you get your mix of your cardio training and strength training in one session, so you leave feeling stronger, lighter, leaner, and just a badass," Allie explains. Learn the 24-minute workout below, then start blasting calories no matter where you are.

The workout: Warm up, then go through each of these eight moves, working for 45 seconds, then resting for 15 seconds. Repeat this circuit three times. Add a few crunch variations at the end to focus on your core. Get the printable version of this workout here.

Source: POPSUGAR Studios

A 25-Minute Cardio and Strength Workout, No Equipment Needed

I'm more of a gym rat and outdoor runner than studio devotee, but there's one boutique workout that can always get me to part with my hard-earned dollars and eagerly book my place in class: Barry's Bootcamp. The celeb favorite (Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are both fans) incorporates treadmill intervals with muscle-building floor work; alternating between machine and bench makes the time fly by even though you're sweaty, tired, and just want to quit. The result: you burn major calories in each 60-minute class, all while boosting metabolism and sculpting lean muscle.

Luckily, you don't need to rub elbows with sweaty celebs or even have a treadmill to reap the workout's benefits. Try this no-equipment version from Barry's Bootcamp trainer Allie Cohen (who's also our fitness model - that's her above!). Allie developed this do-anywhere variation for a recent outdoor Without Walls event in Los Angeles. With her heart rate-raising workout, "you get your mix of your cardio training and strength training in one session, so you leave feeling stronger, lighter, leaner, and just a badass," Allie explains. Learn the 24-minute workout below, then start blasting calories no matter where you are.

The workout: Warm up, then go through each of these eight moves, working for 45 seconds, then resting for 15 seconds. Repeat this circuit three times. Add a few crunch variations at the end to focus on your core. Get the printable version of this workout here.

Source: POPSUGAR Studios

9 Winter Superfoods to Boost Your Health and Ward Off Colds

Boost your immune system, mood, and weight-loss efforts with powerful, tasty superfoods from the Winter season. Whether it's a zesty grapefruit half in the morning or some roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts on your Winter salad, you'll be reaping the benefits of the colder months with healthy foods on offer.

9 Winter Superfoods to Boost Your Health and Ward Off Colds

Boost your immune system, mood, and weight-loss efforts with powerful, tasty superfoods from the Winter season. Whether it's a zesty grapefruit half in the morning or some roasted cauliflower and brussels sprouts on your Winter salad, you'll be reaping the benefits of the colder months with healthy foods on offer.

What Does the Queen Have For Breakfast? Get a Peek Into Life Behind Palace Doors

Image Source: Getty / Handout

The queen has always maintained a dignified silence when it comes to her home life - she never gives interviews and rarely discloses even the tiniest tidbit of personal information - but a glance at the 800 or so companies that hold Royal Warrants provides a wealth of detail about her majesty's private life. A Royal Warrant is an official mark of recognition that is granted to any company that has provided the queen with goods or services for five years or more, and it allows the company to display the queen's coat of arms on its packaging and promotional materials. Prince Philip and Prince Charles are the only other two members of the family who can grant a Royal Warrant, but the most telling are those companies that provide the queen with everything from agricultural machinery to marzipan and lipsticks to helicopter engines.

Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein

Breakfast

Cereal is the queen's breakfast of champions, and her choices are reassuringly traditional. Kellogg's, Weetabix, and Quaker Oats all hold a Royal Warrant, and the various cereals are kept in Tupperware containers to keep them fresh. Her majesty's morning tea of choice? Twinings English Breakfast; milk, no sugar.

Drinks

If one was ever to find oneself at a cocktail party at Buckingham Palace, it's good to know what will be served - and for the most part it's not as fancy as you might expect. Gordon's gin, Pimm's, Bacardi, and Bulmers cider are all warrant holders; however, there are numerous suppliers of fine wines and eight different Champagne producers including Bollinger, Krug, Lanson, and Winston Churchill's favorite, Pol Roger (which was also served at William and Kate's wedding).

Beauty Favorites

The queen has been a fan of Clarins ever since her coronation, when she commissioned the company to design a shade of lipstick to complement her gown. It has been reported that she favors its Ever Matte Mineral Powder Compact in Transparent Fair and Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, as well as its eye shadow palettes.

Elizabeth Arden has been a Royal Warrant holder for 55 years, and two of the queen's favorite products are the Eight Hour Cream and Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Bold Red. Her majesty favors Floris perfume and Bronnley soap, as well as quintessential British brand Yardley and the more modern Molton Brown.

Image Source: Getty / Hulton Archive

Eco-Wares

Prince Charles is known for championing environmentally friendly products, but the queen is quietly also big on eco-fare. She uses a number of green warrant-holders including Delphis Eco, which provides environmentally friendly cleaning products, and Agri-cycle, which uses agricultural waste such as spray cans, fertilizer bags, and shrink wrap and recycles it into furniture, flooring, and containers.

The Everyday vs. the Extraordinary

The queen is known for having pretty simple tastes when it comes to what she eats at home, and her wartime upbringing is reflected in her unfussy style - so it's no surprise that she has Heinz ketchup, Ryvita crackers, Baxters soups, and Robinsons fruit squashes at home. She's also a fan of British High Street favorite Boots the Chemist. However, she is a monarch, and the mind-boggling roster of Royal Warrant holders also includes gold-leaf manufacturers, medal makers, chandelier refurbishers, animal pregnancy scanners, calligraphers, silk flower crafters, name-badge makers, helicopter engine manufacturers, and even a taxidermist.

British Artisanal Produce

The royal family are all big supporters of local produce, and many of the queen's choices are very specific - bacon from Denhay Farms, sausages from Musk's, eggs from Noble Foods, jam from Wilkin & Sons, and coffee from H.R. Higgins. It's a good thing she doesn't have to do the shopping herself - a simple cooked breakfast would take a whole day to accumulate.

Image Source: Getty / Arthur Edwards

Interior Design

When it comes to furnishing her properties, the queen unsurprisingly opts for luxury, tradition, and history, choosing AW Hainsworth for fabrics, Sanderson for wallpaper, Albert E. Chapman for curtains, and Heirlooms for fine linens. Charles Farris provides beeswax church candles, and in a strange quirk, A Nash supplies old-fashioned Harry Potter-style brooms for the royal sweeping. Her majesty also likes using philanthropic organizations and purchases mattresses from Glencraft - 70 percent of whose workforce is made up of people with disabilities.

Phones, Laptops, and Tablets

The queen Skypes with various members of her family and tweets to her many fans - and now we know how. Her majesty is clearly an Android kind of lady, as Samsung is listed as a Royal Warrant holder.

Sweet Treats

The queen loves chocolate (and always gives it up for Lent), but on the other 325 days of the year, she has her pick of the everyday supermarket brands Cadbury and Nestlé, along with the more high-end Charbonnel et Walker, Prestat, and Bendicks - which specializes in after-dinner mints.

Image Source: Getty / WPA Pool

The Best of the Rest

Undergarments: Quaintly billed as "corsetieres" on the Royal Warrant holders website, the incredibly fancy Rigby & Peller is the one entrusted with creating the queen's intimates. It has also been reported that the Duchess of Cambridge has called upon the services of the company, too.

Holistic health: The queen is a traditionalist in many ways, yet Ainsworths Homeopathic Pharmacy has a Royal Warrant - so it seems the queen is also a fan of alternative therapies.

Christmas supplies: When William, Kate, George, and Charlotte gather with the rest of the family at Sandringham, they will be tearing open traditional metallic foiled wrapping paper and pulling bespoke crackers from specialist Christmas wares company Tom Smith.

All the Sweet Photos of Pink and Carey Hart's Son We've Been Treated to So Far

Pink and Carey Hart's son, Jameson Moon Hart, may only be a month old, but he's already melting hearts. Since Jameson's birth on Dec. 26, Pink and Carey have been sharing shots of their little bundle of joy on Instagram, including an adorable photo of their 5-year-old daughter, Willow, holding her new baby brother. To make matters even sweeter, Carey also shared a heartwarming picture of his two kids sleeping, writing, "Not gonna lie, saying that @pink and I have kids makes me a lil nervous and very grown up. And I wouldn't change it for anything in the world." Pink and Carey are clearly enjoying being parents of two, so hopefully we'll get treated to even more sweet family moments soon.

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth Celebrate Valentine's Day With a Fun Day at the Beach

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth don't post many photos of themselves together on social media, but when they do, they're pretty much guaranteed to be gold. On Tuesday, the couple celebrated Valentine's Day with their two dogs Mary Jane and Dora at the beach. Liam posted a photo from their adventure on Instagram, writing, "Happy valentines. 🌹" Miley shared a similar shot showing Liam staring off into the ocean and captioned it with several paw print emoji. Earlier in the day, Miley uploaded a funny snap of her and Liam at the amfAR Inspiration Gala along with a caption that read, "@liamhemsworth & I wish you a VERY loveyyyyy V-Day. ❤️🌹💋" Will these two ever stop being adorable?

All the Times Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello Looked Almost Too Adorable Together

We can barely remember a time when Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello were not together, but in reality, it's been just over two years since the couple had their first date after Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson served as matchmaker.

In that short period of time, Sofia and Joe, who just celebrated their first wedding anniversary in November 2015, have shown their love with lots of PDA and longing looks into each other's eyes on as many red carpets as possible. Keep reading to see all the times their love shone through, then check out Sofia's best moments with her son, Manolo.